NYK and GDF SUEZ strengthen their collaboration with the charter of another LNG carrier

GDF SUEZ has the third largest LNG supply portfolio in the world, supplied from six different countries, and representing 16 MTPA. It controls a large fleet of 17 LNG carriers under mid and long term charter agreements.

March 29, 2013 -- NYK Energy Transport (Atlantic) Ltd, a London based subsidiary of Japanese NYK, a leading global shipping company, and the Paris-based GDF SUEZ, one of the world energy leader, have entered into a time charter of the "GRACE BARLERIA". The LNG carrier joined the GDF SUEZ LNG fleet on 27th February 2013 for a 4-year period.

"GRACE BARLERIA" has been operated by NYK since her delivery in 2007. She has a capacity of 149,700 m3 and is equipped with GTT's Mark III technology.

NYK and GDF SUEZ regularly assess new business opportunities and cooperate in shipping activities: co-ownership of the LNG carrier Gaselys (60% NYK, 40% GDF SUEZ), co-ownership of the ship management company Gazocean (80% GDF SUEZ, 20% NYK), and the chartering of the "GRACE COSMOS" and the "GRACE ACACIA", sister-ships of the "GRACE BARLERIA".

NYK has been involved in LNG shipping since 1983 and has grown to become one of the largest independent owner/operators of LNG carriers, with a fleet of 68 LNG vessels of which it manages 38 through various subsidiary ship management companies. NYK Energy Transport (Atlantic) Ltd is responsible for NYK's LNG and other energy related shipping activities for utilities, national and international energy companies and traders in the region West of Suez.

GDF SUEZ is a global LNG player and the main LNG importer in Europe. GDF SUEZ has the third largest LNG supply portfolio in the world, supplied from six different countries, and representing 16 MTPA. It controls a large fleet of 17 LNG carriers under mid and long term charter agreements. The fleet is permanently optimised to satisfy GDF SUEZ's long term commitments and short term opportunities. The Group has also a significant presence in regasification terminals around the world.

GDF SUEZ has a 40% stake in Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), which designs on-board LNG cargo containment systems, such as the Mark III system installed on the GRACE BARLERIA and develops "membrane" LNG tank insulation techniques. In 2011, GTT membranes were fitted in 68% of LNG carriers in service world-wide (source: GIIGNL).

About NYK

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha is one of the world's leading transportation companies. At the end of March 2012, the NYK Group was operating 838 major ocean vessels, as well as fleets of planes, trains, and trucks. The company's shipping fleet includes 129 containerships (including semi- containerships) and 19 heavy-load carriers / conventional ships, 354 bulk carriers, 56 wood-chip carriers, 121 car carriers, 85 tankers, 28 LNG carriers (on a consolidated basis), three cruise ships, and 43 other ships. NYK's revenue in fiscal year 2011/2012 was about $23 billion, and as a group NYK employs about 55,000 people worldwide. NYK is based in Tokyo and has regional headquarters in London, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, and Sao Paulo.

About GDF SUEZ

GDF SUEZ develops its businesses around a model based on responsible growth to take up today's major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, combating climate change and optimizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: liquefied natural gas, energy efficiency services, independent power production and environmental services. GDF SUEZ employs 218,900 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €90.7 billion in 2011. The Group is listed on the Brussels and Paris stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Stoxx 50, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe, ASPI Eurozone and ECPI Ethical Index EMU.